THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (3)

Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-9, 14-20; Luke 8:5-8, 11-15

Victor M. Eskew

 

          In this study of the Parable of the Sower as told by our Lord Jesus Christ, we have looked at the earthly story as communicated by Mathew, Mark and John.  We have also examined Jesus’ interpretation of the parable as communicated by these three inspired men of God.  Let’s conclude this study by noting some lessons that we can glean from this simple, but marvelous, parable of Christ.

          First the parable definitely refers to seed.  “And a sower went out to sow his seed…” (Luke 8:5).  That which is sown is seed.  That which is received in the ground is seed.  That which brings forth fruit is seed.  Spiritually, the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).  Seed is powerful.  Seed, however, will lie dormant until it is sown.  Seed produces after its own kind.  Seed produces fruit in good ground.  Seed brings forth different yields even in good ground.  Seed produces abundantly when it is sown abundantly.  Seed needs to be sown as far and wide as the sower can distribute it.

          Second, the parable teaches the need for a sower.  “A sower went out to sow his seed…”  Seed is an inanimate object.  It just sits in a bag until a sower decides to cast it upon the ground.  This is true of the Word of God.  The Bible just contains words on a page until they are sown into the hearts of men.  Someone must take the initiative to take God’s Word out into the field of the world.  He must be willing to open his mouth and make known the truth contained in that Word to all who are lost.  This action is the actual sowing of the seed by the sower.  If there is no reaping of fruit, one of the problems could be that the seed has not been sown. 

          Third, the devil is actively involved in the conversion process.  “…then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts…” (Luke 8:12).  The devil is well aware of the power of the Word of God (Heb.4:12).  It can enter into a heart and produce an abundance of fruit, “…some a hundred fold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Matt. 13:23).  The devil does not want God’s cause to increase.  Therefore, he constantly watches those who sow seed.  He knows that the wayside soil is the easiest to plunder.  It is not as receptive to the seed.  Thus, instead of allowing the seed to germinate, he immediately “catcheth away that which was sown in his heart” (Matt. 13:19).  This might be the only time seed will ever be sown onto this soil.  This individual will never be saved.  He will never bring forth fruit unto God.  It is interesting that our Lord is in the business of sowing.  Satan, on the other hand, is in the business of destroying.

          Fourth, there are many, many things that can cause a child of God to fall away from his faith (Luke 8:13).  Jesus notes two categories of things that can do this.  The first is affliction.  “…for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matt. 13:21).  Persecution involves pain.  It involves loss.  It involves ruin.  It may even involve death.  Some do not have enough fear of God to endure (See Matt. 10:28).  To alleviate the suffering that has entered into their lives, they leave the faith.  Some will tell us that these individuals never truly believed.  Jesus didn’t teach this.  Jesus said:  “…they hear, and receive the word with joy…which for a while believe…” (Luke 8:13).  If they believed, they were saved.  Unfortunately, they have no root (Matt. 13:21).  The hardships and difficulties they would face were like the hot sun.  Persecutions would cause them to dry up and fade away.

          Another category that often draws Christians away from Christ can be labeled, “The Things of the World.”  “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).  A Christian is not of the world, but after his conversion he continues to live in the world.  The cares, riches, and pleasures of this life are constantly tempting the child of God.  He must remain vigilant not to conform to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of his mind (Rom. 12:2).  If he does not, the world will enter into his life again.  Like thorns, these concerns, treasures, and pleasures will choke his desire for the sincere milk of the word.  In time, “he becometh unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). 

          Fifth, all of us should long to be good ground.  It is the only soil that bears fruit (Matt. 13:23).  We must begin with attention given our hearts.  “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart…” (Luke 8:15).  A good heart is one that longs to live right.  His heart is genuine and sincere.  An honest heart is one that is open and not closed.  It is a heart that will prove all things and abstain from evil and hold to that which is good.  These qualities cause the good soil to hear the Word and understand it (Matt. 13:23).  Too, his good and honest heart move him to keep the word (Luke 8:15).  With patience, that is, long endurance, he maketh increase, and brings forth fruit, “some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Mark 4:20). 

          We are presently living in the days when the kingdom of God is in existence.  All men are described by one of these four soil types.  Which are you?  In the physical world, soil types can often be changed with intensive labor.  In the spiritual world, change can also occur.  This change involves the will of man.  It is not labor intensive, but it can be difficult.  The will of man must be cast aside.  He must resign himself fully to the will of God.  This action is called repentance in Scripture (Luke13:3; Acts 17:30-31).  Dear readers, if you are the wayside soil, the stony soil, or the thorny soil, please repent.  Develop a good and honest heart and receive and keep the Word of God.  Bring forth much fruit.  This is God’s desire for your life.  “”Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).